Firm demand for beef during the first half of 2018 has led to higher mart prices across NI.

According to Mart Watch data, prices for good-quality U-grading continental heifers are running on average 11p/kg higher than last year.

Over the first six months, they have averaged 213.94p/kg, compared with 192.92p/kg for the same period in 2017.

On a 650kg animal this would make heifers sold in 2018 worth an extra £71.50. This differential increases to £305 when compared with the same period in 2016.

The price differentials are even greater for plainer types. R-grading cattle averaged 186.98p/kg in 2018, compared with 148.59p/kg last year and 128.8p/kg in 2016. This makes a 650kg animal worth an extra £247 and £377 when compared with 2017 and 2016 respectively.

Steers

The yearly price differential on good-quality steers is not as pronounced. Cattle weighing 600kg or above averaged 210.44p/kg this year, compared with 212.4p/kg in 2017.

However, mart prices are running well ahead of 2016 levels, when good-quality cattle averaged 180.13p/kg during the first half of the year.

On plainer animals, prices have averaged 192.3p/kg in 2018, compared with 189.64p/kg last year and 166.36p/kg in 2016. The biggest increase comes in lower-grading cattle sourced from the dairy herd. Prices have increased by 7p/kg to 167p/kg this year, making a 650kg animal worth an extra £45/head.